Analog Inputs

Overview

Analog inputs allow for continuous control. Learn more about what this means for music.

Sound Clippys Analog Inputs

So how do we get a wide range of control from digital music instruments? Continuous, expressive analog inputs.

The Sound Clippy board has two different styles of analog inputs for working with two different types of analog sensors.

3 Pin Connector

The first is a 3 pin connector for analog inputs A0-A3 which works for analog sensors which take 5 Volts and Ground and output an analog signal. This includes:

Potentiometers (knobs, sliders, touch, etc.)

Proximity (distance) sensors

Analog Accelerometers

Temperature, Humidity, Gas Sensors, etc.

To connect a 3 Pin analog sensor connect the voltage, ground and signal pin to one of the connectors (A0-A3). The easiest is the little blue trimpot which will plug right in – the orientation will determine if it increases and decreases with clockwise or counterclockwise motion.

3 Pin analog inputs: a small trimpot and an IR distance sensor

Alligator Clip Connector

The analog side also has four alligator clip connectors for inputs A4-A7. This input is meant for variable resistors such as:

photocell (light dependent resistor)

bend sensor

force sensitive resistor

thermistor

piezo

etc.

To connect a variable resistor, clip one side to one of the analog pins (A4-A7) and clip the other side to GND.

Connecting a variable resistor (photocell)

Mapping inputs to control sound

Once you have some hardware ready to use you’re ready to map the inputs to control sound in software with the Interface Objects.